Basketball is a generally beloved and fun sport. Playing it well, however, requires practice and skill. While you must have some natural talent to be a star, you can have fun no matter what your skill set is. Read on to learn some useful basketball information.
When you are practicing your shooting, take the practice shots you would attempt during the game. You are rarely going to be open for long enough to get your feet planted and line up the shot, so shoot on the move. Practice off dribble and shooting while moving for better results at game time.
When dribbling, your head must be up, and you need to look forward. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more. You can practice dribbling almost anywhere. On your way to the grocery store, practice your dribbling. Remember, if you are directly staring at the ball, there’s no way for you to see what’s happening on the court.
When shooting a basketball, it is important to stay relaxed and stay focused. Tensing your forearms can result in a missed shot. Additionally, losing focus can cause you to miss a shot that you would normally make. To help keep you relaxed and focused, take a deep breath before shooting.
When you are in control of the ball, make sure you always pay attention to what is happening on the court. Know where the other players are. Don not stare at the ground. If you do, there is no way for you to have the type of court awareness that you need to be successful.
Every shot should have an arc. The ball should arc at the highest point, then began descending toward the goal. This arc helps keep the ball on course. Learn how to consistently shoot using the same arc for best results. As you practice, you will learn what works best for you.
Don’t limit your practice to just playing against the zone defense. Always try to anticipate when your opponent is going to switch up their game to catch you off guard. This can cause your team to lose momentum to the other side if this isn’t something you’ve practiced.
When prepping for the basketball season, walk around with the basketball as often as you can. Take the time to throw the ball from one hand to the other, and even flip it around your back. Your goal is to improve your hand/ball coordination so that the ball feels as if it’s part of you.
When it is not basketball season, keep in practice by shooting baskets and practicing your skills. Sometimes during off season, or when practicing, you can’t play as a team or find even a single opponent. That’s fine. You can accomplish a lot by practicing alone. Work on free throws or three pointers. You can always hone your skills when practicing alone.
Is it time to let others know how good you are? First, put these tips to good use. Stay motivated and keep your energy up while you play. You’ll soon realize you’re a much better player by using these tips.